Malavika Mohanan Breaks Silence on Karthi's 'Monica Bellucci' Comment Row

Actor Malavika Mohanan has defended her Sardar 2 co-star Karthi after remarks he made about her appearance and costumes at a promotional event drew criticism. Karthi had compared Malavika to Italian actor Monica Bellucci while discussing her character in the upcoming spy thriller. His comments, particularly his reference to wanting her to wear more glamorous outfits, sparked a backlash online. Malavika has now offered context about their conversations and said Karthi had explained his creative reasoning to her.

Speaking on The SS Podcast, Malavika said Karthi had discussed the issue with her and explained his thoughts about her character. She said both actors play spies in Sardar 2 and may therefore appear in different disguises while carrying out missions. Malavika cited action films such as Mr and Mrs Smith, in which Angelina Jolie performs stunts while wearing outfits that are not conventionally associated with action sequences. She said Karthi believed a similar contrast could make an action sequence involving her character more visually interesting.

Malavika revealed that the film includes a stunt sequence involving her and Karthi on a plane. According to the actor, Karthi felt that having her perform the sequence in a skirt could provide an unusual cinematic contrast. She described their discussions as being about taking creative liberties for the film rather than simply focusing on glamour. Malavika also praised Karthi personally, calling him “sweet” and “a gentleman” while speaking about her experience working with him.

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The controversy originated at a promotional event where Karthi discussed his own appearance in Sardar 2 and joked that he was playing a spy in a lungi rather than portraying the conventional stylish image associated with characters such as James Bond. He then turned his attention to Malavika, saying she reminded him of Monica Bellucci and that he had expected her to be given a glamorous costume. He said he had asked director PS Mithran about her costume but was told that such an appearance did not fit the character of Sara.

Karthi further said that Malavika had brought a costume and that he had initially imagined the character would have a look similar to Bellucci. However, he said the director explained that Sara was not written as a character who would dress in that manner. The comments subsequently generated criticism, with some viewers questioning the way Malavika’s appearance and clothing were discussed publicly. Malavika’s response has sought to place the remarks within the broader creative discussions surrounding the film and her action sequences.

Sardar 2 is directed by PS Mithran and continues the story introduced in the 2022 film Sardar. Karthi and Rajisha Vijayan reprise their roles, while Malavika Mohanan, SJ Suryah and Ashika Ranganath are among the additions to the cast. The film is scheduled for theatrical release on September 10. Malavika’s comments indicate that she does not view Karthi’s remarks as offensive in the context of their professional discussions, while the wider debate over the comments continues to draw attention ahead of the film’s release.

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